Andreani

Andreani tools

ITALIAN suspension specialist Andreani is producing a selection of tools for workshop use for servicing and tuning street and off-road motorcycle suspension set-ups.

The Vacuum pump SP4 has been designed to allow mechanics to automatically vacuum and fill all shocks with easy-to-use software. Features on the SP4 include two identical tanks to allow different weights of oil to be selected and with enough capacity to work with automotive shocks if needed. 

The smaller SP2 vacuum pump from Andreani has two manometers: the first one to verify the oil pressure and the second one to verify the vacuum inside the shock absorber (Vacuometer). The SP2 also has two identical tanks to use two different kinds of oil or to keep one for the used oil, without opening the shock absorber. 

Andreani’s electronic spring tester has been manufactured to allow accurate calculation of spring rates for precision tuning of shock absorbers. 

Completing the new range is Andreani tool box - a speciality 'must-have' for every suspension tuner. It includes a spring press, PDS recharge device and complete specific tool set. The tool box is being made available in three versions: off-road, street and universal.

ANDREANI GROUP INTERNATIONAL SRL
Pesaro (PU), ITALY
Tel: +39 0721 209020
info@andreanigroup.com
www.andreanigroup.com

Comment by Editor, Robin Bradley

Don't get fooled again!

IN terms of business activity, two of the first signs that better times are ahead are recoveries in the spend on advertising and marketing, and increased mergers and acquisitions activity (M&A).

The recent news about Bahrain based Investcorp's purchase of Dainese, Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway takeover of Detlev Louis and ChinaChem's audacious grab for Pirelli would suggest that the investment community is fulfilling its end of the bargain - the mergers and acquisitions, strategic investment, partnerships and alliances industry is active and playing its part in the dynamic of a recovering capitalist economy.

Kudos to Dainese and Detlev Louis for being such a well run businesses that organisations such as Investcorp and Berkshire Hathaway should be impressed enough to want to buy them - but don't get fooled again.

Don't get fooled into thinking that the pictures seen of Warren Buffet sat astride a Geico Insurance promo custom bike (yes, he owns Geico among many, many other businesses), and his bailing-out of Harley-Davidson's ailing finance arm in 2009 are symptoms of a desire to be in the motorcycle industry as such. They are not.

Equally, although Pirelli Metzeler are big players in our small pond, ChinaChem isn't spending €7 bn so owner Ren Jianxix can get a better deal next time he needs a new set of radials for his Panigale!

Don't expect to start seeing a bunch of 'suits' in Bahrain swapping their corporate uniform for race leathers any time soon.

The lingua franca of the investment community isn't two wheels, it is profit - and where that profit comes from, how it is made, is way less important than how much there is and how long it can be relied on for.


'mentioning no names, others are vulnerable'
 
In fact, what is noticeable is that there is a distinct lack of M&A activity taking place on a European motorcycle industry business to European motorcycle industry business basis. The investments, equity deals and "strategic alliances" that have been seen have involved Asian (mostly Chinese and Indian) businesses taking positions in or buying out European or North American motorcycle makers or parts and accessories manufacturers and brand owners.

There has been very little intra-market activity as such and this points to the low levels of capital available to and being generated by motorcycle businesses, and the still uncertain degree of macro economic confidence being seen in Europe.

With the spectre of deflation and a Japanese style "lost decade" of economic activity still haunting Europe, it is no surprise that the fragility of the "recovery" was seen in the motorcycle registration data seen in January and February.

ACEM's data for the first two months of the year point to Europe as a whole being down by around 3 percent. While March and April do appear to have seen some recovery in Germany and other markets where growth stalled (see our StatZone reports on pages 6 and 7 of this edition), there is no question that market progress could still stall.

In that context it is not surprising that the motorcycle market itself is not yet generating sufficient capital for rivals or fellow-travellers to buy each other or merge, nor that the list of businesses that are attracting outside interest is thin.

It is instructive that where there has been intra-Europe activity, it has been automotive led - VAG taking over Ducati, Mercedes taking a stake in MV Agusta and so forth. Mentioning no names, some other of our well known manufacturers are vulnerable at this time, exactly because while their earnings are sound, their ability to defend themselves against take-overs, or secure their positions by themselves being acquisitive, is non existent.

The last intra-market deals were KTM's purchase of Husqvarna from BMW, and Harley-Davidson's MV Agusta fire-sale to its prior owners for $1. As is well known, outside Europe the Indian PTW and automotive corporates have been active, and the Chinese motorcycle makers continue to eye Europe for fast-track branding short-cuts.

The most active and arguably most successful powersports industry business at this time is Polaris. They have been spending heavily on new businesses, and extensions and new facilities worldwide and have been able to do because they have been generating capital and have seen their share price climb from below $10 in 2009 to over $160 recently.

While all (well, most) motorcycle manufacturers have been diversifying their brand offer, none have done it as well as Polaris. It is to be hoped that if there are to be further acquisitions of European manufacturers, it might be from an intra-market player such as Polaris.

UFO Plast

UFO Plast partners MXGP

Italian off-road parts, accessory and apparel specialist UFO Plast has announced  major sponsorship support for the 18 round 2015 MXGP series and for this year's Motocross of Nations being organised by Moto Clun Ernee on September 26 - 27, 10 years after it was last held in France.

UFO Plast has reached an agreement with Youthstream promoters to support MXGP until the end of 2016.
The Tuscany based company already has a big investment in racing, with sponsored riders this year including Jeremy Van Horebeek, Clement Desalle, David Philippaerts and three times and reigning 2014 Women's World Champion Kiara Fontanesi.

www.ufoplast.com

Airoh

Rides flip-up helmet

CELEBRATING 59 World Titles in the 18 years since Antonio Locatelli introduced his first own brand helmet designs, the emergence of the 'modular'/flip-up helmet style in that time has been one of the principal developments in the market.

Rides is the new flip-up helmet from Airoh, made in specially formulated, high resistance thermoplastic resin (H.R.T.) and designed by the company for road and touring use.
Its double homologation (P/J) ensures premium levels of safety in both full-face and open-face modes. It features an extra wide visor to provide a "huge visual field", with an adjustable sun screen visor and Pinlock ready anti-fog visor.

Ventilation is by three glove-friendly wide air vents, with the lower chinguard vents driving air directly to the inner surface of the visor, while upper vents guarantee fresh air inside the helmet.
The lining is made from rider-friendly high performance materials that have been subjected to "numerous stress tests to ensure maximum comfort and breathability in all conditions. The micrometric closure system, the excellent fit and the attention to detail make this a helmet that lives up to the standards and brand values that  Airoh has come to be recognised for", according to the company. 

LOCATELLI S.P.A.
Almenno San Bartolomeo (BG), ITALY
Tel. +39 035 553101
info@airoh.com
www.airoh.com

Rainers Sports

VRC-3 racing glove

THE VRC-3A racing glove offers "comprehensive protection, comfort and good feel", according to Rainers Sports.

Made from high quality leather, with the palm in high abrasion resistance kangaroo leather, the mixed material knuckle protector features TPU and carbon.
The inner side of the glove is covered with a high density sponge, with added "Super Fabric" high resistance protection covered TPU protectors to reduce impact on the scaphoid bone area.
Riders like Jordi Torres, Carmelo Morales and Efren Vazquez are using these gloves in their 2015 training sessions and competitions.

RAINERS SPORTS
Elche/Alicante, SPAIN
Tel +34 96 542 5763
info@rainers-sports.com
www.rainers-sports.com

Puig Hi-Tech Parts

CB650F design and safety upgrades

PUIG has created a range of parts for the ‘14-‘15 Honda CB650F, including a model-specific windscreen made of high impact acrylic. Available in dark smoke, light smoke, clear and black tints, it ships with all necessary hardware.

'Engine Spoiler' is the name given by Puig for an ABS plastic carbon look or matt black belly pan that is designed to protect the lower section of the bike.

Puig offers foldable/extendable levers and footpegs with clutch and brake levers that are CNC machined from billet aluminium, ergonomically designed to improve feel and control. They feature six-point adjustment and are available in a range of anodised finishes. The footpegs feature a rotational system for adjustment; the pegs can be used for rider or pillion and come in the choice of black, silver, red, blue or gold.

Puig’s frame sliders are made of high-impact nylon and are said to have a wider surface than similar products. An interchangeable rubber-end helps riders avoid knee injuries. 

PUIG HI-TECH PARTS
Granollers, Barcelona, SPAIN
Tel: +34 938 490 633
info@puig.tv
www.puig.tv

Fehling

Custom bars and CB500 accessories

FEHLING continues to expand its product range and has now added accessory options for 2013 and later Honda CB 500s and a selection of custom handlebars.

Fehling’s steel engine protection bars help prevent damage to the crank cases in the event of a fall. 

Designed to mount behind the seat there is a choice of tubular ‘Luggage Top Case Carrier’ which can be used with various aftermarket hard luggage options, with ‘Side Case Carriers’ available for aftermarket hard panniers.

As part of its growing handlebar range, Fehling has created its MSP line to fit a wide variety of motorcycles without the need to change wiring or brake and clutch lines.

The 850mm wide 'Crack' bar is offered in both 1in and 1-1/4in diameters and with 110mm of backward sweep. It can be ordered in either chrome or black finishes. 

MSP 850mm wide Custom bars, in black or chrome, are 1in diameter and have a choice of 60mm or 90mm rise with 100mm of rearward sweep. One-inch tubing is used for MSP Race bars that combine an 850mm width with 100mm of sweep and a rise of 50mm. 

MSP Z-Bars are offered in both 1in and 1-1/4in diameters and the choice of 70mm or 110mm rise with 90mm of pullback, finished in black or chrome.

ERNST FEHLING GMBH & CO
Wickede (Ruhr), GERMANY
Tel: +49 (0)2377 2033
info@fehling.de
www.fehling.de

RST

RST Tractech Evo-2

TRACING its origins back to 1988, and firmly established as the largest British (and one of the major international) motorcycle clothing brands, this is a big year for the British RST apparel brand.
 
News that owner Moto-Direct has signed a two year deal for RST to be the Official Safety Partner of the legendary Isle of Man TT races was followed-up by the launch of a major new apparel programme - RST's Tractech Evo-2 line.

The range features a new one-piece race-suit, leather jacket and jeans, textile jacket, the new Tractech Evo-2 race glove, and RSTs contour plus aktiv level 1 back protector and improved cpx shoulder sliders.

The Tractech Evo was already a highly rated suit, but brand owner Moto-Direct say they have "hundreds of hours of road and track riding invested in the Tractech Evo-2.
"Trying to find ways of improving an already well received and popular product is tough. But nobody can afford to stand still in this industry and no matter how hard it is, there always are ways to improve any product, especially in an industry like ours", RST Marketing Manager Chris Day told IDN.
"The feedback we get from our dealers and their customers is invaluable. We have been able to take the Tractech Evo range to another level with this new line. As a range that includes textile as well as leather options, it gives dealers a one-stock brand that fills all their street and sportsbike rider apparel requirements".

 


The textile jacket that Chris mentions has been completely re-built. "It might not be obvious from the front" Chris says, "but check out the back and you'll see we've really cranked up the sports credentials of the Tractech Evo-2 by fitting a race hump. It not only looks factory, but really helps with the aerodynamics when your in the tuck position, keeping the jacket from flapping at high speed and helping with the stability of your helmet.

"We’ve also used the same cpx shoulder sliders developed for the Tractech Evo-2 one piece suit".

RST has also updated the specification of its Tractech Evo-2 glove, adding a kangaroo palm, and a memory elastane impact knuckle protector. This is the same material that is used in their new aktiv back protector, and in combination with the hard carbon knuckle it makes for what must be one of the best glove specifications yet seen.

RST has also unveiled the designs for an all-new Isle of Man licensed TT-Partner apparel range that will be unveiled in the RST TT Concept Store located behind the main grandstand, and will launch on Saturday 30th May.

We present a 'teaser' here, and a full report will appear in the June/July edition of IDN.

MOTO DIRECT LTD
South Normanton/Derbyshire, UK
Tel. +44 (0)1773 864435
info@moto-direct.com
www.moto-direct.com

Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield buys Harris Performance

Fast growing Indian motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield has closed a circle that started with the brand's origins in the United Kingdom in the late 19th century by making its first corporate acquisition a British one - the company has bought UK based chassis, parts and race bike specialist Harris Performance.

Involving an undisclosed sum, the deal will see Royal Enfield take over all of the assets, employees, trade names, technical know-how and intellectual property of the Hertfordshire, England based specialist.
Founded over 40 years ago by Steve and Lester Harris and Stephen Bayford, alongside its well established race bike credentials Harris has an international reputation as a leading designer and manufacturer of parts and components. Harris has had a long standing relationship with Royal Enfield, which includes having been responsible for the chassis development of the recently introduced and acclaimed 535cc Continental GT cafe racer. 

The well received 535cc Continental GT cafe racer is the most recent result of the long-term collaboration between Harris Performance and Royal Enfield

Under the leadership of Siddharta Lal,  Royal Enfield has made no secret that it is ambitious; very ambitious. With the backing of their equally fast growing parent company Eicher Motors, Royal Enfield has made no secret of plans to develop a new generation of products and platforms, including two new engines.

Steve Harris, left, with Royal Enfield/Eicher Motors CEO Siddhartha Lal

In August last year it signalled its ambitions in the North American market with the hiring of former Harley-Davidson Head of Global Sales and Customer Service Rod Copes.
This news was followed late last year by the hiring of former Ducati designer Pierre Terblanche after he'd had spells at Piaggio/Moto Guzzi, Norton and Confederate Motorcycles in the United States.
In February the Chennai based manufacturer announced that it intended to establish a research centre in the UK, thought to be in Leicestershire - coincidentally the same part of the UK where Triumph and Norton are headquartered.
The company has experienced 50 percent growth in unit production in each of the last three years. For its 2014 Fiscal year production topped 300,000 units for the first time, having been around 178,000 in 2013 - indeed nearly 84,000 of last year's production was achieved in the final/fourth quarter. CEO Siddhartha is on record as targeting production of 450,000 units in 2016.

Siddharta Lal

Speaking at the contract signing in the UK he said that "to have the Harris Performance team dedicatedly working with us will clearly enhance our engineering and product design capabilities.
"Their proven expertise, deep insight and understanding of motorcycling and Royal Enfield will be invaluable for us in our journey towards achieving leadership in the global mid-sized motorcycling segment".

IDN's Robin Bradley spoke with Steve Harris about the deal, who said: "It has all come about very quickly, so there are still details to be established.” Asked about future collaborations with other manufacturers (such as Yamaha and Suzuki), Harris (for whom Harris Performance has worked on the development of MotoGP and WSBK bikes) said that the deal with Royal Enfield doesn't prohibit it.
However, "with what is already going on at the present time, with the work that has already been ongoing for Royal Enfield and the new projects that will now also be coming our way, I would think that it would be simply a time issue rather than anything. I can't see us being in a position to undertake any other work for anyone else for some time".
The same would appear to apply to continuity of their parts and accessory manufacturing and sales activities. "We don't want to let anyone down. At present the plan is to continue all our existing activities alongside the work we'll be doing for Royal Enfield".
Asked about the prospects of being able to collaborate with Terblanche, Harris said that "he is very talented and yes, I think it will be very exciting for our team to work with him. I'm sure there are going to be some exciting opportunities and some great bikes".
At this stage it is anticipated that Harris Performance will remain at its 15,000 sq ft Hertfordshire, England facility and that the 11 strong work force will integrate into the operations planned for the new development centres elsewhere in England and in India on a remote basis.

Royal Enfield owner Eicher Motors has a number of strategic alliances and collaborations in the transport industry, including a 50/50 new factory joint venture in India with Polaris Industries - owners of Victory and Indian motorcycles.

www.royalenfield.com
www.harrisperformance.com
www.eicher.in

Spanish motorcycle registrations

Strong growth continues in Spain   

The latest data released by the motorcycle industry trade association in Spain (ANESDOR) shows motorcycles up by +14.6 percent to 11,289 units in April - the best April market performance seen since 2010.

 

For the first four months of the year Spanish motorcycle registrations are +17.9 percent at 35,863 units for the year-to-date - the best start to the year seen since 2011.

In total PTW terms the market in Spain was up by +14.5 percent in April (12,416 units) and is +17.3 percent for the year-to-date (40,217 units).

Honda are market leaders in motorcycle share terms for the year-to-date with 16.1 percent of sales; Kymco is second (13.9 percent); Yamaha third (also 13.9 percent). BMWs R 1200 variants are the best selling large displacement motorcycles in Spain; followed by Yamaha's MT-09.

UK motorcycle registrations

UK motorcycle registrations increase in April

The MCIA, the motorcycle industry trade association in the UK, has announced that April new motorcycle registrations were up by +12.5 percent over April 2014 at 10,152 units; for the year-to-date the UK is +13.7 percent (33,481 units).

This is the largest sale of new models in the first four months of the year (and best April market performance) seen in the UK since the 34,000 units reported in 2009.

In total PTW terms the market in the UK was +11 percent for April (10,950 units) and +11.5 percent for the year-to-date (36,199 units).

'Naked' style bikes (+33.6 percent/9,441 units YTD), Adventure Sport models (+20.5 percent/5,703 units YTD) and SuperSport bikes (+15.3 percent/4,573 units YTD) continue to be the best sellers in the UK, with Tourers and Sports Tourers losing market share (-16.7 and -12.7 percent respectively).

Some 26 percent of all the motorcycles sold in the UK so far this year were in the 651 - 1,000 cc power band. In April Honda was the most popular brand in the UK (1,890 units sold), ahead of Yamaha (1,526 units) and Triumph (856 units). The top-selling model in the UK in April was the Yamaha MT09 Tracer.

Data from the MCIA shows that in 2014 the total number of motorcycles in use in the UK remained stable at 1.2 million units; the total distance ridden by motorcycle in 2013 was 4.4 billion km (2.7 billion miles); but that, alarmingly, the number of motorcycle rider test passes is now down to what is believed to be the lowest figure seen in modern times at just 30,500 new riders.

Öhlins

Öhlins shocks for lightweight Supersport models

ÖHLINS' STX46 shock is designed specifically for use on smaller capacity Supersport machines such as the Honda CBR250/300R and Kawasaki Ninja 250/300.
Using their proven "monotube" technology, 36 or 46mm pistons and an external or internal reservoir, a range of spring choices are available to further tune the shocks along with adjustable rebound and compression damping as well as shock length adjustment.
“This relatively new and fast growing sector is important for Öhlins as it gets riders on our products from a younger age, showing them the additional performance that is available in handling,” said Robert Brinkmark, Öhlins’ Product Manager.
“These new bikes ‘look the part’, and with the addition of one of our shock absorbers they will be able to handle in a similar way to their bigger brothers in the 600 and 1,000cc Hypersports sector".

ÖHLINS RACING
Upplands Vaesby, SWEDEN
Tel: +46 (0)8 590 025 00
info@ohlins.se
www.ohlins.com

Ilmberger

Ilmberger expands carbon range

DUCATI's 1200 Monster and BMW’s S 1000 RR can now be customised with a selection of carbon fibre parts being produced in Germany by Ilmberger.
Monster updates include fenders, injection and exhaust heat protection as well as heel, boots and chain guards and sub-frame and timing belt covers. 

Carbon fibre covers are available for the water cooler on BMW’s S 1000 R

Left- and right-hand side tank side covers in carbon fibre for the 2015 S 1000 RR
are available from Ilmberger

Like all of Ilmberger’s bodywork options for the S 1000 R, the bellypan is made from carbon fibre

Julius Ilmberger founded his carbon parts business in 1990. Each product is finished in a clear, TÜV-certified plastic coating and comes with ABE. The company offers racing accessories for leading brands including Aprilia, BMW, Buell, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, MV Agusta, Suzuki and Triumph motorcycles

Julius Ilmberger, CEO of Ilmberger, said: "For us it is always a challenge to produce carboxylic accessories for a naked bike, for a machine like the Ducati Monster 1200 with its very modern but timeless design.
"However, the sophisticated design of our carbon parts complements the appearance of the Italian bike - the machine is an absolute eye-catcher. In addition, our carbon fibre parts are so light that they reduce the curb weight of 209kg significantly”. 

 

The under frame cover for the Ducati Monster 1200 is offered in both matt and gloss finishes

Also available are a clutch cover seal, alternator cover, pinion and ignition rotor cover and frame sliders and various trim parts, Ilmberger said: "Our carbon accessories combine reduced weight with great strength, especially compared to the manufacturer's standard plastic parts".

ILMBERGER CARBON PARTS
Oberhaching, GERMANY
Tel: +49 (0)89 613 3893
info@ilmberger-carbon.de
www.ilmberger-carbon.de